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Hackers Pull Off Massive Cyber Bank Heist

It may be the biggest bank heist ever.

Hackers have stolen about $1 billion from banks and ATMs around the world. A hacker is someone who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to data.

According to a report from the internet security firm Kaspersky, at least 100 banks worldwide were hit, with some losing up to $10 million to the thieves. Kaspersky says the hackers installed spying software on bank computers. They then used information from the spy-ware to mimic bank employees and transfer money to fake accounts. In other cases, they rigged ATMs to simply start spewing out cash!

Most of the hackers are said to be based in Russia, China, Ukraine, and other parts of Europe.

Kaspersky did not name the banks targeted by the hackers, but analysts say the list does include banks in the United States.

stephanie.jarvis@ideastream.org | 216-916-6340